Legislature ’07: Special session possible but unlikely

OLYMPIA – I just bumped into Gov. Chris Gregoire coming out of the Senate Majority leader’s office.

There’s been a lot going on in there these last few days – the House and Senate have yet to hammer out a budget agreement and time is getting tight. The Legislature basically must get it done today (Friday) to get out of here by Sunday night – the end of the regular session.

“I want to get that issue addressed so we can go home,” Gregoire said.

“I support the idea of having the Puget Sound bill absolutely come out intact before we leave town on Sunday night. That’s my number-one priority right now.”

But what about Maury Island?

“It’s too gummed up in that right now, to say anything more than that,” she said. “I want my Puget Sound bill out. It’s one of my top priorities this legislative session.”

Will you hold lawmakers here if that’s what it takes to get this bill out?

“I’m not talking about special session right now,” Gregoire said. “There are obviously issues on the table. I would definitely consider it. “Last night, late, I met with (Speaker of the House) Frank (Chopp) and (Senate Majority Leader) Lisa (Brown) and said we need to go home Sunday night, period.”